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MLA/APA  Format

Everyone knows the cut and dry MLA format we have been using our entire lives, so lets talk about what we can expect from the APA format. The video above gives a general list of differences between the MLA we are so familiar with, and the (not as scary as it seems) APA format. That being said there are some important specifics that will be discussed below. For the definative and updated specifics make sure to check out https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.

Overview

  • Title Page

  • Abstract (overview)

  • Body (same as mla body)

  • Reference Page (similar to Works Cited)

  • Standard 11 by 8.5 paper

  • Double spaced

  • 12 pt font 

  • 1 inch margins

  • Running header (top right abreviated title w/ page numbers)

General Guidlines

Title Page

  • Page number in the top right

Starting 1/3 of the page around 8-10 lines down 

  • Full title 

  • Your name

  • Institution 

  • Course name 

  • Instructor's name

  • Date due

Body

  • Page number in the top right

  • Full title at the top of the first page

  • text 

  • citations 

  • named subsections 

Abstract

  • Synopsis of paper

  • Under 250 words

  • Cenetered

  • unindented

 

 

References

  • Works cited or references included

  • Left alligned 

  • The familiar hanging indent 

  • Alphabetically organized

 

 

Internal Citations

  • 1st citation from a source includes the *(author, year, page number)* in that order

  • all citations following from the same author only require the page number and year *(year, page)*

Click here for more explaination on citation basics

 

 

MLA Format

Since we have been restricted to only MLA papers, it is expected you already know how to correctly format. However, here are still some links and videos to assist you, and answer any possible questions, while writing your papers.

APA Format

MLA and APA are two different formats used when writing research papers.  MLA format is typically used when writing an english or history paper, while APA format is typically used when writing a math or science paper.

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